Cape Winelands Travel Advice

Flights & Getting Around

Cape Town International Airport: it's only an hour's drive from the airport to the heart of the Cape Winelands.

The classic Cape Wineland towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are easily accessed by regular half-day and full-day tours conducted in modern mini buses or sedan cars. These tours begin in Cape Town and can be arranged with the minimum of fuss from your accommodation or before you arrive.

Alternatively, hire a car and tour the Winelands at your own pace - the roads are good, it's all well signposted and the scenery is amazing. Take the opportunity to stroll around these historic towns on foot - Stellenbosch is particularly rewarding.

Top Travel Tips for the Cape Winelands

Driver or guide: perhaps the best way to explore the Winelands is to hire a driver or personal guide: they know their way around, only stop at estates that interest you, and - best of all - everyone in your party can enjoy wine tastings safe in the knowledge that there is a designated driver.

Get the App: we recommend downloading the Platter’s iPhone App. This digital version of South Africa’s most comprehensive wine guide gives you easy access to tasting notes, trusted ratings and producer notes on over 7 000 South African wines.

Top restaurants: the Cape Winelands is simply filled with phenomenal food and is a top choice for a food and wine holiday. A few of our favourite award-winning restaurants include: The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais and Pierneef on La Motte Estate, both in Franschhoek; Terroir in Stellenbosch; Babel at Babylonstoren in Paarl; and La Colombe on the Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate.

Pedal power: cycling around the Winelands is a great alternative for anyone who enjoys a little outdoor adventure. Try the Stellenbosch cycling tour - it’s not too strenuous and takes you along pretty back roads for wine tastings at several estates and a delicious lunch.

Keep the kids happy: along with hiking, cycling, picnics and horse riding, there's plenty of must-do activities in the Cape Winelands that will be a big hit with your children: try the Birds of Prey Project at Eagle Encounters at Spier in Stellenbosch; Butterfly World, just outside Paarl; and the Cheetah Outreach Programme at its new home in Somerset West.